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Posted April 8, 2017, 10:06 pm
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Patron notes

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    A patron walks toward the course wearing his Masters pins during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 8, 2017, in Augusta, Georgia.

Have Suit, Will Travel: The easiest two fans to spot in the large throng following Fred Couples and Jon Rahm on Saturday were Michael Ruvolo and Matt Coakley.

The men were dressed identically in suits and ties resembling the American flag, with white stars all over their blue blazers, striped red-and-whiteties, with red pants and red baseball caps with “Make Tiger Great Again” printed on them.

Ruvolo 30, of Fort Collins, Colo., and Coakley, 28, of Scottsdale, Ariz., had no idea 2017 would include their first trip to the Masters.

“We were at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines this last year and brought our own suits,” Coakley said. “We had a company (Shinesty.com) approach us and ask to wear their suits and they would get us tournaments to watch more golf. We never dreamed it would be the Masters.”

As far as their first trip to Augusta National Golf Club?

“I got chills when I saw it for the first time,” Coakley said. “Just chills all over.”

 

Birthday Wish: Kayla Herndon couldn’t dream of a better way to celebrate her 13th birthday.

When she arrived at the Masters Tournament, the Charlotte, N.C., teen got the royal treatment – first shaking hands with an Augusta National member and then gaining free entry as a Junior Pass patron.

“This is the greatest day ever,” said Kayla, whose birthday was Sunday. “And it’s not even 8 (a.m.) yet.”

Her goal of the day was simple: Cheer on Rickie Fowler.

“He played awesome (Friday), and I think he has a good chance to win,” she said.

 

Hat Tricks: Brian O’Hair removed the Augusta National bucket hat from his head and pointed to a 1962 Masters badge.

“I was there,” said O’Hair, 79, of Atlanta. “In fact, I’ve been to all but two of these tournaments since 1954.”

To the left of his 1962 keepsake is a badge from 1999. Nearby are dozens of other badges.

“I’ve seen more shots at Augusta National than most of these current players have ever hit,” said O’Hair, laughing.

O’Hair attended the first two rounds this year, but Saturday was the first day he put on his treasured hat. Why? The conditions.

“Did you feel that wind yesterday?” he said. “I would have lost half these badges.”

 

Tee Trophies: Some kids collect autographs. Sarah Stewart prefers something more tangible.

On Saturday, Sarah sat behind the No. 8 tee box and was given broken tees after players hit their drives. “A lot of people have Jordan Spieth’s autograph, but how many have his tee from the Masters?” the 11-year-old from Dallas said.

– From staff reports